Vader's Angel
By: wertman25
Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own Star Wars…. Or Anakin Skywalker… Which is a pity…
Author's Note: Originally, I deleted this chapter(s) from the story. However, after finishing the other chapters, I felt the progress and change of pace for these two were too important to overlook and simply forget. It's not much direct smut, but I like the progression. I hope you like it.
By the time Padmé awoke the next morning; Vader had already gone, leaving her alone in the vast apartment – and even worse, alone in the now cold bed. The feeling of the empty mattress was such a contrast from how it felt when he was her partner within the sheets. Her body was his, and every part of it knew when he was away from her. It ached for him–craved him. Even in sleep, she knew she was drawn to him. She missed the feeling of his warmth beside her. She missed how perfect it felt to be within his arms. She missed–him–her handsome lover and the simple haven they shared when they were alone together.
It seemed almost unjust that she could be so at ease while being a prisoner of war; be so well off with Lord Vader, while so many others had periled. She could only imagine the horrors which were taking place in the galaxy that she wasn't even aware of, all happening right under her nose and by the man she was sharing a bed with, no less. It almost made her feel somewhat guilty, but even with the whispers of shame, she couldn't bring herself to even fathom anything other than her immediate comfort.
Instead, she laid in the Sith Lord's bed for what felt like hours, snuggled into his sheets, all while wishing he was there with her. Her naked body was draped in the dark sheet, and she couldn't help but smile thinking of Vader covering her up before he left. The feeling of his hands wrapping around her slithered back into her mind like a fleeting dream and fire grew in her belly. His touch from the night before, his behaved touch, was a tease to both of them, and she wished more than anything that she would have just allowed him to touch her –really touch her– everything else, be damned.
With Vader's image in her mind, and in her heart, Padmé reached under the covers, gently squeezing her eyes shut and rolling over onto her back as her fingers became his touch. She teased her body, tickling her skin with her gentle brushes before beginning to massage her breasts. In her mind, his hands were wild upon her, his breath hot and his kisses wet upon her skin. Her fingers dipped down lower, spreading her legs beneath the covers and touching her most sensitive spot. She moaned in pleasure, her back arching, pressing her body into the mattress as her hand began to move.
"Vader…" she moaned, moving her fingers faster. "Oh, Sith! Vader!"
It was almost pure bliss, but only almost. She refused to remind herself of Vader's absence, squeezing his eyes tighter as she felt the wave of her orgasm hit almost immediately. She cursed herself for not allowing him to do this earlier, even if it was just his fingers that would have pleased her. She panted heavy as she rubbed herself into oblivion, hearing his cries of pleasure mix with her final scream.
She crashed back into the mattress as if she had been floating beforehand, her arm sore from the action of her sinful deed and her body already craving "him" again. Her naked body was wet beneath the covers, jewels of sweat forming on her forehead, and Padmé fought to catch her breath due to the heat. She whipped the sheets off of her, desperate for the cool air and a moment to recover, only to hear a knock at the door an instant later.
It took her a moment to process the sound, thinking she had imagined it until it resonated through the apartment the second time. Fear immediately gripped her very soul, chasing her happiness away like a murderous nightmare. She knew if it was Vader, he would have simply entered, not knocked. Probably Palpatine as well, which would be of equal horror, for the old man to witness such a sight– her within his apprentice's bed, masturbating, completely naked. The lesser didn't give many options to who could be at the door, but each idea was equally unpleasant.
The knock sounded again, slightly more urgent than before and Padmé knew that she had to answer. Swinging her legs out from under the covers, Padmé retrieved Vader's shirt from the floor but quickly decided on the dress beside it, keeping the other garment for later. She slide the dress over her head, smoothing down the material and her hair before she hurried through the maze of the establishments.
She reached the main door surprisingly quicker than she thought possible, making a wrong turn only once before finding the way. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door, unsure of what to expect, but readying herself for the possibility of anything.
"Senator," a thankfully welcomed visitor said, Piett's kind smile shimmering like always, putting her immediately at ease.
"Piett." Padmé smiled, meeting his warm greeting with the same attitude–it was such a pity that this man was actually her enemy, she could imagine him as a kind acquaintance– a friend, even. "Good morning."
"Good morning, milady," he continued, his smile slightly fading as his eyes inspected her, taking in her unusual disheveled appearance. "I hope I did not wake you."
Unconsciously, Padmé's hands moved to cover her body, cursing herself for being so foolish. His eyes moved over her appearance again, not at all wickedly, but the faintest hint of judgment in his eyes. The pure sensation of his thoughts bringing an unstoppable blush to Padmé's cheeks as if the man knew the reasons of why she looked so unkempt and exactly what she was just doing moments before he had knocked.
"Of course not," Padmé said, keeping her smile in place and playing off her own growing nerves with a small change of the subject, which offered the man some explanation. "I apologize for my appearance. I'm afraid all this activity caused a restless night of sleep and I had nothing to change into this morning."
Immediately, Piett's eyes softened, but Padmé could still feel the weight of his lingering thoughts. "Yes, well," he said, falling back into the basic protocol and becoming the perfect officer. "I'm afraid that your belongings have not arrived as of yet, so I brought you something to change into– if you would like."
For the first time, Padmé realized the man held something in his hands, which he extended to give her. She grabbed the gray material from his grasp, knowing the clothes well: Imperial military uniforms.
"I'm afraid that the choices here aren't exactly…" Piett began, offering an apology that Padmé quickly cut short.
"No," Padmé said, cutting him off and tucking the clothes under her arm. "They're fine. Perfect, even. I very much appreciate it."
Piett smiled, nodding his head. "You're very welcome," he replied, giving her a small bow before raising back to his full height, being as thorough as ever before he undoubtedly left her to the loneliness of Vader's quarters for the rest of the day. "Is there anything else you need then, ma'am?"
Usually, Padmé would decline the offer, fine with the basic necessities and being left alone while in Imperial company but Piett's smile calmed her so. "Ummm," she began, slightly embarrassed, her hand resting on her very empty stomach. "I hate to be too much of a bother but I haven't eaten since– I don't when."
"Oh, of course," Piett answered, his face conveying his shock and even embarrassment of her less than hospitable treatment. "If you would like, after you freshen up, I could accompany you to the small dining facility here on base?"
Padmé frowned at the man, but out of confusion, not anger; hearing his words, but not exactly believing them. His answer to her request surprised her and for a second, she doubted she heard them–she even waited for him to realize his mistake and take the offer back, but he just stood there, calm and collected, waiting for her answer.
"Vader would allow that?" she asked, unable to keep the frown from her face and the doubt in her voice. Never in a thousand orbits had she expected to be able to leave the room, even with an Imperial officer as company.
Piett seemed confused by her reaction, his own frown forming across his young features as he carefully thought through the conversation before he answered cautiously, "He wanted me to check on you, it seems like a simple enough request."
The second comment was more surprising than the first, and Padmé had to fight every chemical in her body to keep from truly reacting… because Vader had asked for Piett to check on her.
"Oh," she stumbled, trying to find words. "Alright."
Piett regained himself and smiled, giving her a small nod. "Very good, ma'am," he said. "Then I'll be back in say, twenty standard minutes to fetch you?"
"Sounds like a plan. I'll see you soon," Padmé replied, smiling once more at the officer before closing the door.
She wasted no time returning to the innards of the apartment and readying herself for the day. She wasn't sure what to expect or even how long she would be allowed out, but her stomach rejoiced at any and every idea of food. Wasting no time, she stripped herself of her clothes and jumped into the shower. She closed her eyes as the warm water fell down upon her and counted to sixty. She hated the fact that she was deprived of any essential oils or sweet-smelling soaps, but the hot water would have to do. Turning off the water, she jumped out of the shower and wrapped herself in a towel.
Grabbing her clothes off the floor and exiting the fresher, she attempted to fold the items as best she could before setting them down on one of the nightstands. She paused for a moment, looking at the dirty undergarments in her hands, hating the idea of putting them back on. With a mischievous smile, Padmé hid the bra and underwear between the layers of her clothes, just in case, before she moved towards the opposite nightstand. She giggled as she grabbed a fresh pair of Vader's boxers, slipping them on before pulling on the gray military pants.
She buttoned the gray shirt up next, thankful that the material was thick enough that she could get away with not wearing a bra. Padmé was small chested enough that it wasn't usually an issue, and she hoped it wouldn't be, especially if she was only out of the room for a few minutes. On the other hand, she didn't usually allow her hair to remain down, but decided to just pull the top layer back and allow the rest to fall.
Checking herself in the mirror, she almost laughed at how pitiful she looked, practically looking as if she was truly a cadet within the Imperial Forces. The image brought a strange sickness to her belly and she had to fight from gagging against her empty stomach. She looked away from the mirror, attempting to block the vial image from her mind, but was unable to block out the heat rising heat in her cheeks as another image formed.
In her mind, Lord Vader– Commander of the Imperial Army – inspected her within the ranks of other troops. He, her powerful commander, and her, his loyal cadet. She could imagine his height, his closeness, his power, as he tried to intimidate and seduce her in front of the masses. She imagined him separating her from the rest, taking her roughly over a piece of machinery before a grand battle in a way to ease himself. She could imagine his hands on her even now and she wondered if Vader would ever touch her like this– in this uniform when she looked like nothing more than one of his men.
She shook away the thoughts, surprised at how easy and frequently the passionate ideas were flooding her mind. A knock came to the door before she could really think the thought through to a conclusion, and she was forced to leave the feverish fantasies at the door.
"Thank you again for this," Padmé said after she swallowed another bite.
The food wasn't exactly– anything– but it was something, and her stomach rejoiced with each bite.
"There is no need to thank me," Piett said with a smile, taking a quick bite from his own plate from where he sat across the table. "I needed to have lunch anyways and I'm happy to have such a fine company."
Padmé's eyes met his, taking in his odd and peculiar word choice. A heat rose in the opposite man's cheeks and he quickly looked away, Padmé suddenly feeling a bit uncomfortable despite Piett's obvious embarrassment. Behind him, she caught the sight of the nearest officers looking at her, practically drooling, their gaze hovering shameless over the bulges of her chest. They quickly looked away when they realized they had drawn her attention, but the feeling of all the eyes on her within the vast room was beginning to make Padmé feel sick–naked, even, and she moved closer to the table as if it helped conceal the fact that she was naked beneath her clothes.
"I hope I did not offend you," Piett said suddenly, breaking the small wake of silence, obviously thinking her change of attitude was solely on his account.
"No, of course not," Padmé answered, offering the man a kind smile in hopes that it would put him at ease. "If I may be so bold though," Padmé said, wanting to use the moment away from Vader to her advantage. "May I ask you something?"
"I suppose," he said, taking another bite of his meal.
She took another bite of her meal as well, chewing it quickly and swallowing before pressing her limits. "Lord Vader," she said lowly as if he were near. "What is your opinion on him?"
Piett seemed to hesitate, his shoulders becoming stuff and the movement of his jaw pausing mid-chew. He swallowed his food in near slow motion and pated his face with a napkin. "As I told you before," Piett said, answering cautiously. "He's a strong man. A fair and just leader. I would follow him anywhere."
She knew his answer was true, through and through, but it didn't give Padmé the information she craved. "Yes," she said, pressing the subject. "But what do you think of him… personally?"
Piett frowned at the question, his eyes searching her's for a long moment, probably looking for some underlying reason for her question, for which he couldn't find. She hoped that her question seemed innocent enough, but she knew that too many lines were crossing for it to seem that way.
"I wouldn't know, milady," he said, and Padmé couldn't tell if it was pity or confusion within his voice. "I do not socialize with Lord Vader out professional or military boundaries."
"Oh," Padmé said with a sigh, falling back into her seat and forcing herself to take another bite, her shoulders somewhat slumping as the Sith stayed on her mind.
Noticing her displeasure, Piett took a deep breath, not entirely meeting her gaze. "I think there is more to him than his reputation though," he added quickly, and although Padmé was somewhat pleased to hear his words, she couldn't really believe that particular statement.
"From what I've seen, he certainly lives up to it."
Piett nodded, not understanding her disconcert, but nevertheless answering with compassion towards her questioning subject. "He has a job and he does it well, but there is more to him than meets the eye."
Padmé looked up, meeting Piett's gaze with hopeful eyes. "You really think that?"
Piett fidgeted awkwardly under her gaze. "As I said, I don't know him personally," he admitted, shrugging his shoulders with embarrassment, but speaking with confidence. "But I assume I've been under him long enough to draw that conclusion. I've never had a fairer commander. He is wiser and more just than most people give him credit for."
"So he doesn't frighten you?" Padmé asked, earning a cheeky smile from Piett in return.
"Oh… I didn't say that." Piett laughed, and Padmé found herself joining in with the chuckle.
"He terrifies me…" she admitted once the laughter died, her voice low and sad– the statement holding more truth than she would ever be able to admit.
Piett looked at her then, really looked at her, his eyes filled with concern. "Milady," he said. "Is there something on your mind?"
Padmé laughed at the question. "There's always something on my mind these days."
"I'm sorry that I cannot be of more help," Piett admitted, truly meaning the statement.
And truly, Padmé was sorry too. She wished that Piett could have given her some clarity. She wished that someone held the answers. She wished she didn't feel as she did. It just didn't make any sense within her mind, any of it. Why was it that no one seemed to know the Sith–really know him. Why was it that it felt like she was loving someone that was completely two different people. Why was the Sith– the most powerful being in the universe– so tormented, bruised, and…
"Piett?" she asked, unable to stop herself.
"Yes, milady?"
"If you don't mind me asking," she said, her mind conjuring the images of Vader from the previous days. "I've noticed Vader is quite stressed– more so than usual– I'm sure you could never give me the information, but I didn't know if you could offer me some clarity?"
Piett pushed away his empty tray, his whole demeanor seeming to change as he shifted from friend to foe, reminding Padmé that this was still an Imperial officer that she was talking to. "I mean no disrespect," Piett said, his voice filled with authority, "but although you are said to be innocent by the public record, by our terms you are still considered an enemy of the Empire." He shook his head, almost angry at the reminder. "I cannot converse anything involving Lord Vader's ventures with you."
"I'm sorry," Padmé apologized, pushing the tray away from her, her appetite lost. "I overstep my boundaries." She shook her head, feeling more lost and confused than she had felt in a long time, and she just wanted some clarity. She needed something to ground her to the planet beneath her feet– she needed Vader.
As if on cue, Vader walked into the dining hall with two officers at his sides. His entrance unmissable, as the troopers and officers scattered at the sight of him. Most of the personnel were no doubt on their break, but that didn't matter at the sight of the Sith, nearly all leaving their lunches where they sat on the tables to go back to their duties.
Vader cut through the mass like a missile blast, walking in her direction, although it was evident that his attention was elsewhere. He paused a few tables down, not aware of her presence– or at least, not acknowledging it. It was only then, with his stance paused, standing at his full height, at the ready for the attack did Padmé realize that the men were arguing.
"Lord Vader," one of the officers at his side said, his tone conveying his frustration. "I understand your orders, sir, but the officers are going to arrive in just two days and we are picking up hostile movement on the North."
"Hostile," Vader snapped, completely turning around to challenge the man. "You haven't seen hostile yet."
The men, although frightened, held their own against the Sith– which seemed somewhat brave, but more incredibly stupid.
"We need to assume as much," the other officer replied. "We tried to communicate but received no reply. Attacks have not resulted in death as of yet, but if they continue we must take action."
"Have you talked to the elders yet?" Vader asked his full attention on the second man.
The men shared a concerned look, which offered their negative answer before they looked back at their commander with growing fear.
"Well?" Vader pressed, wanting them to speak the answer aloud.
"No, sir," the first officer answered, the sweat dripping from his cap and his Adam's apple bobbing in his neck.
"You're both as clumsy as you are stupid," Vader growled. "The Empire has had a fair relationship with the Felucian tribes. I will not risk destroying that. No one has traveled to the tribes in an attempt to solve this issue, but yet you want to continue to bomb them."
The second officer nodded his head with understanding, but choose to fight against Vader's words. "We thought it wise"–
Vader took a step forward, challenging the man. "To be frightened of their appearance and bomb them instead?"
"Ah– Ah," both men seem to mumble, stricken with fear.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop as a silence fell over the room, Padmé, as well as all remaining personnel unable to look away.
"Who made the order?" Vader asked, his voice dark and like ice.
The first man sucked at his lips, his eyes lowering to the ground and back towards the Sith. "I did, sir," he admitted, trying to regain the same power that he had walked into the room with. "I made the order to bomb the Felucians. I apologize, but it was something that needed–" The man's voice died in his throat, his eyes widening and his hands flying to his neck.
Padmé was frozen to her seat, watching as Vader held out his hand, using the Force to choke away the life from the officer before him. In another life in another time, she would have tried to stop him, tried to stop him as she had for Rush, but she found herself unable to do so. She found herself unable to do anything but watch as Vader took away the officer's life, watch as the opposite officer did nothing but squeeze his own eyes shut, watch as the entire room simply watched as their commander killed before their eyes.
In mere seconds, the officer fell to the floor, choking out one final breath before his life left him completely. It should have been a shocking sight, but nothing was as shocking as how quickly they disposed of the officer's body, two men jumping up from their table and quickly dragging the body out of sight. It shocked Padmé, because it brought the realization that this behavior was very common for Lord Vader, and it wasn't as shocking that it was the Sith's behavior, as much as how normal the rest of the Imperial forces seemed to be reacting to it.
"Get out of my sight," Vader snapped at the remaining officer. "I'll travel to the elders and fix the issue myself."
The officer opened his eyes, knowing he was treading on thin ice. "Alone, sir?"
Vader nearly growled, taking a step closer to the officer and the man immediately taking a step back into a table. "Unless you'd like to go with me and explain to the elders why you've personally been bombing their people.
The officer paled, nodding his head, and possibly holding in the vomit that seemed to be stuck in his throat. "I'll get a transport ready for you, sir," he said, giving Vader a frantic nod.
"I thought not," Vader answered, flicking his head towards the exit. "Go, get it ready."
"Sir," the officer answered with a small nod, doing as Vader commanded and leaving the Sith where he stood in the center of the galley.
Vader stood there for a long moment, Padmé's eyes unable to look away from him even though everyone else had returned to their previous state of normality before the argument had erupted. She knew it that moment– his moment of waiting– that he was aware of her presence and knew she was there; sensing her just behind him after the fight, his locked shoulder relaxing slightly before he turned ever so slowly to face her.
His eyes locked onto her, although she couldn't see them– she just knew. She always knew and she met his hidden gaze unafraid…unafraid until she felt nothing between them– a severed connection between her and her lover. Usually, Vader allowed her at least some sort of connection to him, it was guarded, but never severed. She wasn't Force sensation, so it wasn't something she could explain, but something she had just come to always feel.
She could usually feel his emotions in a single look, feel something from him even if he was silent… but now, he was just silent. It was like feeling nothing between them like he had cut off whatever connection they shared, dimmed the spark, and it immediately frightened her. She wasn't sure what to make of it, or what he was thinking now with his eyes locked onto her. He took a step closer, walking the rest of the distance and pausing by the side of the table, but as for his motives, she was as clueless as the rest.
"Senator Amidala, Piett," he said, his voice void and lacking all traces of anger that had been within it moments before.
"Lord Vader," Piett answered, rising from the table and giving proper respect to his commander. "Forgive me, I checked on her just as you had asked."
Vader didn't look away from her and she felt his gaze move over her body as if he was inspecting her– or so, she could only guess.
Piett seemed to notice Vader's odd behavior as well and took note of the Sith's peculiar attention towards Padmé– or at least, his attention towards her appearance. "I also found her some fresh clothes until her belongings arrived," he added, giving some explanation to Padmé's Imperial-like appearance.
Including your underwear, Padmé thought, hoping that he could still hear her, but was forced to stare into a faceless hole with no clue of a reaction.
"Are you departing, my lord?" Piett asked, also feeling pressure from the awkward silence.
"Momentarily," Vader answered, his gaze finally breaking away from Padmé. "I'll be back by the time they arrive."
The word– or lack of clarification –didn't go over Padmé's head and she saw how Piett's whole demeanor changed as he nodded.
"Very good," Piett replied, moving away from the Sith and toward the opposite side of the table. "I'll accompany the senator back to her quarters then."
"No need," Vader said, just as Piett reached Padmé's side. "I'm heading there now to retrieve a few things. I'm capable of escorting Senator Amidala there myself."
Piett didn't argue, taking a step away from Padmé and bowing his head to the Sith. "As you wish, milord."
She knew that was her cue to rise from the table, but Padmé found herself still glued to the seat with her eyes locked on the Sith. Vader's head turned to her again, feeling her stare, as he stood just on the other side of the table, looking down at her suddenly and although Padme could not see under the darkness of his hood, she felt his eyes trail over her again as if his very hands were on her skin– even slight pressure to push her up.
Taking his cue, she broke her gaze and she rose from the table, quickly thanking Piett before joining the Sith Lord. The moment she reached his side, he turned and walked without waiting for her; not that she very well minded anymore, she simply followed behind him, thankful that all seemed to flee at the sight of him.
It only took a moment to realize that he wasn't headed towards his quarters like he had told Piett, the Sith making a right turn when she knew very well his quarters were a left.
"I thought you were taking me back to your quarters," she said, breaking the silence between them, pausing at the divide in the hallway without following him down the opposite path.
He stopped and turned around to face her. "Is that where you'd like to go?" he asked as if their current destination was obvious and she had a choice in the matter.
"I don't understand," she admitted with an utterly confused frown.
He took a step closer, closing the wide gap between them. "Care for a journey, Senator?
She frowned, even more confused. "A what?"
Vader shrugged. "You said you wanted to see the planet. I figured you could come with me to visit the locals."
He said the statement like he was simply taking a peaceful joy ride through a comfortable countryside, but Padmé remembered the fear within his officers' voices. "You're inviting me?" she asked, shocked and surprised. "But that officer just said they're hostile."
Vader's head fell slightly backward, and Padmé instantly knew he was rolling his eyes in annoyance. "I would be more concerned about the local animals," Vader replied. "The amount of air-traffic happening probably has them spooked. It isn't usual for Felucia to see this much air traffic. It is in an agreement."
She stared at him dumbfounded, her brain trying to make sense of it, but unable to make the connections.
Vader stared at her for a long moment too, taking note of her odd reaction. "I don't understand your reaction," he admitted slowly, his own voice conveying his own confusion.
"I don't understand why you're taking me," Padmé answered, reaching out again to feel their connection but only feeling the barely-there lingering warmth of a burnt-out fire, making her concern grow.
"You wanted to do more than our… usual activities," Vader admitted, not quite embarrassed with his confession, but now unsure of himself. "I thought you may enjoy it."
His words furthered her confusion, the Sith saying something that seemed so much unlike himself, while also feeling so distant. "Aren't you concerned…" Padmé looked back down the hall towards the sea of gray and white where they had been, "…with what they might think?"
Vader followed her gaze but lacked her concern. "On the contrary," he said. "I know what they're thinking."
She couldn't say anything and again could only stare at him her mind a mess with a puzzle that couldn't be solved.
Vader relaxed into his place with the hall, rising to his full height with his hands coming to rest upon his belt. "If I remember correctly, Senator Amidala, diplomatic solutions are your specialty– not mine. A consultant may be needed.
His statement made her smile. "So it would seem," she laughed, wanting to go with him, but not able to escape the growing fear. "But what would Palpatine think?"
"He doesn't have to know," Vader replied, his annoyance growing. "Plus my master commanded me to watch you, for me to do that, you have to come with me."
He seemed so sure, but Padmé couldn't bring herself to find such tranquility. She took a deep breath, somewhat at ease, but still unable to fight her nerves. "Do you want me to go?" she asked him, her eyes meeting him and begging for his true answer.
Vader's head fell to the side again, conveying his confusion. "Senator," he said, his voice deep and confident despite his confused stance. "If I didn't want you to go, I wouldn't have asked."
She knew that was true, but she couldn't help but shake her head. "You didn't really ask me, you were just taking me."
Vader groaned inwardly, taking three large steps towards her until he overwhelmed her with his closeness. He looked down at her, and she looked up at him, able to see him underneath the hood. "Senator Amidala," he said, his voice somewhat gentle. "Will you accompany me on my mission?"
She looked deep into his eyes, the glowing gold burning into her soul, and into her heart. The heat rolling off of him was intense and the way his eyes smoldered brought the sinful desires back into her belly. "You…you aren't mad," Padmé whispered, looking deep into his eyes and surprised to not see a hint of fury against her.
Her statement brought a frown to his handsome features, his brow creasing and his eyes suddenly searching her's for something that wasn't said. "Mad?" he asked, pressing for her answer. "Why would I be mad?"
"You…" Padmé breathed, suddenly feeling very silly and very hot as their spark hit her like an ion cannon, burning her soul and awakening her hunger. "You cut me off from you."
"Only momentarily," Vader said, suddenly understanding her concern.
"Why?" Padmé pressed, needing to know his answer a thousand thoughts, especially those of jealousy, coming to the forefront of her mind.
"Oh no," Vader said, pulling away and returning to his track down the hall. "That I'm not telling you."
"Why not?!" Padmé screamed, chasing after him and trying to grab his clock to deter him from his course but unable to do so. "Tell me."
"No," he said simply, causing Padmé to rethink her strategy.
She let go of his cloak and sat down in the center of the hall, Vader immediately stopping upon her strange choice of actions– taking note of the military strategy that Vader was surely unfamiliar with, but Padmé knew all too well.
"Tell me or I'm not going," she said, answering his silent questioning and confusion.
"That's childish," he said in return, not believing her commitment to her chosen tactics.
"I know," she admitted, showing how serious she was. "I've seen my nieces do this a million times, and they always get their way with my sister."
Vader was silent for a long moment, probably waiting for her to cave, but Padmé refused to be broken by him. "You're testing my patience," he snapped, his previous good mood evaporating with each passing second that she pushed him. "Stop this foolishness."
She wasn't sure if Vader would explode or simply leave her behind, but she held her ground. "Then tell me," she pressed, not moving from her spot on the floor as she crossed her arms over her chest.
Vader groaned, his gloved hand reaching beneath his hood to either rub his face and pull at his long locks. It remained there for a moment, even after his gaze moved back to her, and Padmé knew instantly that she had won.
"I'm waiting," she pressed and Vader sighed.
"It's not for any reason you believe," Vader said, highly annoyed. "I just… couldn't afford being distracted."
Padmé frowned, not understanding his reply. "And being connected to me makes you distracted?"
Vader sighed, crossing his arms tightly over his chest as his gaze burned into her. "It does when someone has a little too much energy in the morning."
She could tell that Vader thought his answer explained his actions, but she still felt just as lost as before. She raised an eyebrow at him, hoping he'd say more, but he simply shook his head, not offering any more to his reply.
"Why can't you just tell me?" she asked and was surprised to hear him laugh in response.
"Tell you," he said amused, taking a step closer, his attitude changing and his voice becoming lower. "Why don't you tell me what you were doing this morning, Senator."
She frowned at his words, the sex within his voice the tease. She didn't know what he was getting at and how anything she was doing this morning could lead to him cutting her off like… Her eyes widened as the memory of the morning crept into her mind, her fingers touching her body, her voice screaming his name. She looked at Vader with wide eyes, blood rushing to her cheeks.
"Problem?" Vader teased.
"Oh, moons of Naboo!" she cried, her face falling into her hands before peaking at him between her fingers. "How much did you see?"
"Nothing, Senator," he said, walking towards her and giving her his hand. She took it and he pulled her off the ground, beginning his track down the hall and pleased to see her following him. "I told you, I couldn't afford to be distracted."
Padmé nodded, not sure if she was embarrassed or slightly insulted by his answer. She remembered a time when her inner fantasies brought Vader ablaze to her, but now, he seemed to be so tame and unconcerned. "So," she said slowly, "you blocked it out because you didn't want to see me…"
"That's not what I said," Vader said, cutting her off before she could finish the statement and taking another turn into the long, empty hall.
She followed him, but now with less ease. "It's what you meant," she argued, hoping he didn't hear the disconcert in her voice as she looked to the floor.
Before she could even react, she felt the wall behind her back, Vader suddenly turning and using his full force to push her into the cold metal. He stood in front of her with his body against hers, his erection pressing painfully into her stomach as their hot breath mixed with small pants and their eyes burned into one another.
"No," Vader said, slowing, nearly pressing his forehead against her's. "I meant it's very had to concentrate with an erection." His hand moved down, skimming over her arm, but stopping just below the elbow. "And it's even harder to concentrate knowing I'm not doing them to you."
Her need flared in her body like a raging fire, needed to be feed by him and him only. "Forget what I said," Padmé breathed, moving closer and capturing his lips.
He kissed her back, but only for a moment, quickly pulling away and putting space between them. "I can't," he said, answering her frown with a shared annoyance. "I'm behaving."
"Behaving?" she asked– nearly whined. "You just killed a man."
"Behaving around you," he corrected, pushing down the front of his tunic that was caught on the bulge beneath it. "Plus there's camera's at the end of the hall, we're just in a blind spot."
"Then why even tease me?" Padmé pouted, trying to not allow her very real anger to ruin this moment.
"Because," Vader snapped, suddenly very angry. "If I see any more images of my men fucking you in their minds, I'll wipe out my whole Sith-forsaken base." He took a deep breath, attempting to calm his emotions before shaking his head. "And then I'll probably dance on the kriffing ashes."
Padmé was surprised by his sudden outburst, and even more surprised by his words, but she couldn't help but feel amused. "Dance?" she asked, teasing him. "I didn't know Sith Lords dance."
"I suppose we'll see by the end of the week," Vader replied, before forming back into the loyal Imperial commander, motioning for her to continue. "Come," he said. "We don't have much time."
As usual, Padmé could only make out bits and pieces of Vader's communication between him and his loyal soldiers– too much technical talk mixed with code words for her to fully understand. By the time she boarded the transport, she only really knew that they were going to a secret location– a large home-base for Empire Forces– and from this base, they were somehow being transported to a Felucian tribe.
The transport landed in the middle of a forest, at a small underdeveloped shack, the transport dropping the pair off on the ground before just as quickly returning to base.
"The Empire has downgraded," Padmé noted, walking behind Vader as he approached the shack.
"Unfortunately for you. We aren't going direct," Vader said, before adding more seriously. "Stick close."
As they walked towards the shack, Padmé was surprised at how much larger the rundown building actually was, the walls traveling down into the green slush ground to reveal an entire underground compartment to the building that was not visible from the air.
A man exited the building, a type of Weequay, or a species that was a near relation and approached the pair, only keeping his eyes on the Sith. "Lord Vader," the Weequay greeted before he began to speak in what Padmé could only assume was his natural tongue.
She didn't know much about Felucian culture, at least when it came to the tribes or the species who inhabited the part of the planet that they were on. She probably knew the same basics as everyone else in her field, but even with that, she was still clueless when it came to the planet's natural language, which simply sounded like the strange hisses and ticks upon her ears. Of course, however, Vader answered the Weequay in the same tongue– even the same dialect– which Padmé had to admit was quite impressive.
She waited patiently for the two men's conversation to cease and only when the Weequay walked away did Padmé dare ask any questions. "So," she whispered, coming to stand beside Vader as the Weequay entered into the shack. "Fill me in?"
Vader crossed his arms, looking down at her. "The local tribes don't take kindly to much technology– including ships, as I said. The increased activity probably upsets them. There is no way to get to the inner tribe with ships or speeders. They have made sure of that, which is why we are doing this trip a much slower and inconvenient way."
Padmé listened to Vader's words, but couldn't help but to gape at him with disbelief. Usually, the Sith was a mystery in her mind, as were his actions and way of thinking, and also his sense, or lack thereof, when it came to acting in a non-barbaric manner– the words he was saying now, were unfamiliar and surprising– civilized, and her brain couldn't compute the connection between the Sith and his planned actions.
"You're… actually negotiating?" she asked, the same disbelief overtaking her voice.
Vader sighed, knowing the hidden meaning within her question, looking away from her and toward the empty doorway. "Their alliance may be needed in the future or at least until a certain point. I may be a man of action," he added, "but I also know how to communicate– or have someone do it for me."
"I never heard that one," she said, under her breath.
It wasn't meant for Vader's ears, but of course, with his acute senses, he could hear a pin drop across the forest. "That's because anyone lucky enough to converse with me usually ends up working for me," he replied, before adding with a slight shrug; "Or dead."
"Comforting," she answered, not reading much into his words before allowing another moment of silence to pass over them. "You know…what you're doing is kind of like politics," she told him, meaning for the information to be enlightening.
"I'm not a politician," Vader snapped back, true anger laced within his voice.
Padmé shook her head, slightly annoyed and also amused at what the almighty and all-seeing Sith could not see or simply would not admit. "But you're…"
"Unlike politicians, I am deciding what's best and doing it," Vader argued, his voice ice and stern with authority as he cut any chance of argument off. "Not taking the unneeded time."
She tried to come up with some sort of rebuttal but was distracted by a sudden loud growing noise. There was a series of load clatters, hooves hitting the ground, followed by a loud yell. A black mass hurtled its way out of the shack, dragging the Weequay out behind him.
The black creature released a loud snort followed by high whinnies. The animal pulled the Weequay, its feet stomping proudly and its head throwing wildly. It jumped back nearly knocking the being at the reins completely over.
"What is that?" Padmé said, almost terrified, moving behind the Sith for protection.
"That," Vader said simply. "Will be your ride for the next hour."
"That?" Padmé paled. "And what is that?"
"It's called an equine," Vader replied, completely at ease despite the madness around them and Padmé's obvious terror. "Brought over from Dathomir during the slave trade, most still suffer that fate and those who got lucky flourished."
"So he's… wild…"
"He's tame."
"He's bad-tempered."
"He's spirited," Vader corrected. "I respect that."
"He looks like he could kill us.
"Then he and I have something in common."
The man, who had become flustered because of the animal threw the reins at Vader. The Sith gripping them tightly as they pulled to their fullest measure, both species at the other end refusing to yield, looking as if they reins would snap between them.
The animal continued to jump and throw his head– the creature obviously angered. Vader held the reins steadying, speaking loudly at the animal in what Padmé could only assume was a Felucian language, reaching out his hand until the animal surprisingly steadied.
She watched in shock was the animal calmed, throwing his head only a little, but allowing Vader to touch him, practically walking into the Sith's touch, placing his nose in Vader's outstretched palm. Vader pated the animal pleased, stroking its large cheek as the animal turned to inspect the man as well. His large muzzle moving up to sniff the Dark Lord of the Sith, moving to his arm– to where Padmé knew the large indentation was on Vader's arm. The animal's nose stayed there for a long moment, and Vader said another phrase to the animal, which sounded– dare she say–sweet.
Whatever Vader said seemed to calm the equine further into submission. The animal even seeming pleased with Vader, suddenly becoming calm and still. Only when the animal met her gaze, did Padmé feel it was safe enough to step forward.
She took a step closer, making sure to stay behind Vader for some protection. "So," she said, inspecting the animal up close. "He's sort of like a guarlara?"
"In a way," Vader said patting the animal's black fur. "Less aquatic though."
Padmé nodded, slowly reaching out and touching the creature's fur. It felt rougher than she had imagined, but still somehow softer than the skin of a guarlara. The equine raised his head and nickered at her, causing her to smile.
"Well, hi," Padmé said, reaching around Vader to rub the animal's nose. "Look at you, not so bad after all."
The animal threw his head, almost as giving her a nod– or so, she'd like to think.
Vader groaned in response, reaching under the saddle and making sure it's secure. "Great," Vader replied. "Another one."
"What?" Padmé asked, but Vader shook his head.
"Nothing. Come on." He leaped onto the creature with ease, while Padmé struggled to get a grip. Thankfully, Vader was strong enough for them both and was able to pull her onto the creature.
"Thank you," she said as she settled in behind him, and wrapped her arms around his waist.
He didn't answer, but he settled into her touch, simply kicked his legs and sending the beast into a forward run. From that point on, if Vader commanded the beast, he did so vocally, which Padmé had never seen before– and yet, the creature listened without delay, fulfilling each task as if Vader had commanded him through his legs.
The path through the jungle was rough and overgrown, surrounded by colorful vegetation and occasional wildlife. It was beautiful, however, and breathtaking in more ways than one. Padmé had to admit to ride an animal again, with the wind blowing through her hair, made her feel as though she was back home, riding on the back of an guarlara with her friends. It was a welcomed feeling and once that she savored, even more so when she squeezed Vader tighter, pressing her chest into his back.
It was an hour into the ride when the travel seemed to turn for the worse. The creature seemed to grow agitated, no longer listening to Vader's directions and moving sideways instead of forward. Vader kicked his heels backward in an attempt to move the animal in the correct direction, but only seemed to enrage it, the animal jumping up into the air and kicking out its hind legs. Padmé held tight around Vader's waist, holding onto his steady weight to keep from completely falling off the steed.
Once the animal somewhat relaxed, growing tired from his tantrum, Vader held out his hand for her. "Get off," he commanded roughly, and she grabbed onto his hand before dismounting.
She moved a safe distance away as Vader threw his leg over as well. The animal beginning to buck in pure agitation as soon as Vader was completely dismounted. The Sith spoke to the animal in a soothing voice, his hand outstretched in what Padmé could only guess was an attempt to calm the beast while using the Force.
The animal didn't calm though, in fact, he became worse. His neighs grew louder, his snorts becoming deeper, and he kicked out his hind legs narrowly missing Vader by a few inches, at best.
"Be careful," Padmé said to him, suddenly concerned for the Sith's well-being, but unable to stop him.
Vader seemed to get agitated too, his entire demeanor changing as the words died on his lips and his hand fell to his side. "This is why I prefer machines," Vader commented under his breath, his annoyance unmistakable. The animal continued misbehaving, seeming to push Vader's nerve as he called his weapon to his grasp.
Padmé paled at the sudden action, realizing the fate of what was about to occur. He wouldn't, she thought, but his actions told her that he would.
With speed and strength far greater than any human was capable of, Vader used his Force abilities to come up upon the equine, the animal standing on its hooves one moment and being turned over onto its side the next. It hit the ground with a large cry, the dirt and grime from the path rising into the air. It kicked its legs out, looking as it was running through the air, Vader suddenly above it while it released its own version of a scream. Vader ignited his lightsaber, swinging it down towards the creature.
"Vader!" Padme screamed in horror unable to look away as the red blade collided with the animal's side.
The lightsaber broke the leather strap that went across the animal's belly, the saddle breaking away and the animal immediately stopping his struggle. Vader deactivated his lightsaber, hooking it to his belt before he and the animal both pushed off the ground.
Vader wiped away the dirt that had been thrown on his face and clothes, catching his breath, before his attention moved towards the animal. He held the reins steadily but smoothed his hand over the animal's back. He gave the animal a small tap near its chest and said something in the same language as before.
Padmé neared the two cautiously, still unsure of what had just occurred. "He's… he's bleeding," she whispered in shock, seeing the blood dripping down his back upon closer inspection.
"It's a slaver's saddle," Vader said, kicking the saddle away and sending small pieces of sharp sharps flying. He pulled a piece of the shard from the creature's back, the same shard from the saddle, and held the piece within in his hand so that Padmé could see. "They have shards in the material and hard edges to penetrate the animal's skin." He threw both pieces to the side of the path. "Usually it makes the animal more cooperative." He patted the animal again. "Not him."
Padmé frowned at the saddle before her attention returned to the equine. "Why?" she asked, reaching out and rubbing her hands over the cut skin, not caring for the blood that soaked her fingers.
'He's spirited and doesn't break easily," Vader said, giving the equine another pat. "I told you, I respect that."
'No." Padmé shook her head. "I mean the shards. Why would anyone do such a thing?"
"I told you," Vader answered, his voice strangely dark. "Slave trade. Sometimes even creatures suffer that fate." He pated the equine's back, his eyes growing cold and a wave of anger rolling off of him that was unlike before. "Equines are proud animals that were forced to be domesticated, the same way as most humans– any living thing with consciousness, really." He shook his head, his mind elsewhere. "You're supposed to build trust with equal respect, not take it."
Padmé was again amazed at Vader's knowledge…and also his rational thinking. It seemed to be the theme of the day: Rational Darth Vader. Where was her hot-headed and irrational Sith Lord? It was strange to think that he had offered such an insight to his way of thinking simply by explaining something about a guarlara-lookalike. It surprised her, but then again, he usually did. Still, she couldn't help but wonder, if this was truly Vader's way of thinking…why would Vader ever fight for a cause that was practically enslaving the galaxy? Why would he fight for the Empire?
"We can walk for a while," Vader pressed on, not taking note of Padme's amazement– or perhaps, just not caring. "Just to give the creature a break. You did want to see the planet."
"Yeah," Padmé answered, still caught up within her thoughts, but following Vader regardless. "Okay."
For once, she lead in step in front of him, Vader instead opting to walk behind her with the equine. It was a strange feeling, having him walk behind, but not as strange as the image of Darth Vader, Lord of the Sith, walking at a gentle pace, all while chatting with the foreign beast… which she only knew from the quick, secret glances she took to eye the odd, but somehow fitting pair.
It almost made her smile and she would have even pointed it out if she only knew Vader would react positively to the comment… which she knew he wouldn't, so she settled for her secret amusement instead, cherishing the secret glances she took of the pair, careful not to catch Vader's attention. She almost felt jealous of the equine, that he was receiving so much of Vader's attention, while she received so little.
The thought made her laugh out loud before she could stop herself, drawing Vader's attention.
"Something amusing, Senator?" he asked, picking up his pace so that he closed the gap between them.
"Nope," Padmé answered, hiding her smile as he reached her side. "Just taking in…" She looked around, for the first time taking in the overwhelming amount of dark plants which she had missed while her attention was elsewhere. "Dead plants."
"They aren't dead," Vader answered. "That's just their color."
Padmé rolled her eyes. "Black flowers then," she said, pausing and taking a knee. She reached out and touched the dark greenery, inspecting the intricate designs of the petals. "What are these?" Padmé asked, eyeing the dark plant and picking one from the ground so that she could continue to inspect it from her full height.
"I told you," Vader replied, somewhat annoyed. "Leiathos motregon."
"The leias?" Padmé frowned.
"Yes."
She shook her head. "But they're black."
Vader snorted, walking forward and leaving her behind. "Good to see you aren't colorblind."
Padmé rolled her eyes, chasing after him. "No, no," she said. "I mean they were white."
"The flowers have a naturally dark complexion, it is only when the moonlight touches them that they shine bright white," Vader replied as if it was a known fact.
Padmé eyed the flower again, this time in much more amazement than before. The dark little flower, clashing with the image of the bright white one within her mind, reminding her of the gentle words of "hope" that Vader had spoken of– the fondness for a story from when he was a boy. "That's you can see the hope," Padmé said in amazement, her moment lasting only a second, before being quickly ruined by the sound of Vader's snort.
"That you can see the light," he corrected, quite unimpressed and slightly annoyed by her statement. "Come," he said, ignoring her glare and rising onto the equine's now slightly healed back. "We should have been there by now."
Padmé shoved the flower into her pocket and used the nearest rock to get onto the equine's back, settling back into her spot behind Vader before he commanded the animal forward again. The equine listened to Vader's commands just like before, better even, the animal able to move at his full range of motion without the pain of the saddle.
"The tribe is just over this ridge," Vader said after another small lapse of riding, the equine beginning to ascend the small hill which would be their final lap to the Felucians.
A sound echoed from the forest just from a place in front of them causing the creature to stop and throw his head. Vader pulled back on the reins, trying to keep the animal calm and on the road.
"What was that?" Padmé asked, tightening her grip around Vader's waist.
A woman stepped out from the brush before he could respond– a bounty hunter. "Hey, Daddy D," she said with a large smile, grabbing her gun from her holster. "Funny meetin' you here."
Author's Note: Sorry, I had to split this chapter into two. Hopefully, the other half will upload too. Either way, hope you enjoyed and missed VA! As always, hope to hear from you in the reviews!
Also... Happy New Year!